How To Buy Life Insurance During COVID-19 Pandemic

Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting lockdown details^[1]

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has left the entire world in shock. As the disease started spreading relentlessly, moving from one country to the other, their ever-bustling economies froze. Although the spread of the coronavirus in India came about a little late, we are still one of the most badly affected nations in the globe.

In spite of the government’s quick reaction to this deadly pandemic, the virus continues to spread throughout the nation, showing no signs of slowdown. As a measure to dampen the impact of the virus, the Indian government announced a set of nationwide lockdowns starting from March 25, 2020.

The first round of the lockdown lasted for around 21 days and brought a nation of almost 1.3 billion people to a standstill. Factories, manufacturing facilities, and retail shops were shut down, movement of people was severely restricted, and a ban on social gatherings was enforced. Right around the completion of the 21-day lockdown period, the government extended it for three more times. First by 19 days, then by 14 days, and then again by another 14 days.

In total, the entire nation spent around 68 days under stringent lockdown. Such an unexpected move threw off almost all businesses as they were left completely unprepared. This directly led to a host of both small and big businesses closing down due to heavy losses. In addition to this, many people suffered from either a partial loss of income or in some cases, a complete loss of income due to layoffs.

 

Increasing need for life insurance

 

During the pre-COVID era, many individuals were looking for answers to basic questions like "What is life insurance?" and "What are the benefits of life insurance?" This signified the lack of awareness about insurance. Here is where the COVID-19 pandemic changed the course of things. It not only single-handedly made individuals understand the benefits of life insurance, but also encouraged them to think about investing in one.

Although the lockdowns have now been lifted, the threat of contracting coronavirus due to in-person interactions have put individuals who understand the benefits of life insurance and wish to purchase them in a spot. If you are one among them, here is how you can purchase life insurance during this pandemic.

 

How to buy life insurance during the pandemic?

 

Since COVID-19 spreads through the air via droplets, it is essential to restrict close human interactions. With purchasing life insurance through physical branches may not be preferred due to the COVID 19 outbreak; the safer and more convenient option is to purchase it online.

However, there are branches which have started opening in many locations where digital services are offered keeping in mind the social distancing guidelines that the government has imposed during these COVID 19 times.

Over the past few years, insurance companies have stepped up their efforts to go digital. By leveraging technology and the internet, insurers are now able to provide most of their services through online means. The Smart Assist app by Bajaj Allianz Life is one such initiative, which assists buyers during their journey screen sharing^*.

With solutions like these, all that you have to do to purchase a life insurance plan amidst this raging pandemic is log into your insurer’s website, choose the right plan according to your needs, fill an online application form, submit necessary documents and make the premium payment online. Once you have purchased the plan of your choice and your policy is issued, your insurer will send you a soft copy of the policy document to your registered email ID.

 

What are the benefits of buying life insurance online?

 

By purchasing a life insurance plan online, you get to enjoy a host of advantages. Here is a brief look at some of them.

1. You get to choose between multiple plans by comparing their features and benefits.

2. The purchase process is quick, easy, and hassle-free.

 

If you buy a life insurance plan now, will it include a cover for COVID-19?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes. You do not have to go searching for dedicated coronavirus life insurance plans since all life insurance plans that you purchase cover COVID-19 related deaths along with any other additional benefits that the plan might possess. However, keep in mind that if you have contracted the disease between the time of your insurance application and its issuance, your application might be withheld or even denied by the insurers, subject to underwriting conditions of the Insurer.

 

Conclusion

 

Therefore, you see how easy it is to buy life insurance during the pandemic. The insurance industry has also embraced digital solutions, making it easier for potential policyholders to purchase the plan of their choice from the comfort of their homes.

Source

^[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic_lockdown_in_India

^*The purpose of this application is to provide digital assistance to customer keeping in view the social distancing norms and customer safety to be maintained due to the COVID 19 pandemic.